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Re: Issues in buying DSK Benelli TNT 600i
points made clear
Originally posted by shantanunirmalmitra
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Ok so I will take a shot at answering some of the questions that have been put forth in the past few weeks- I apologize for not being a regular here. I am myself an Ex-Benelli user (600i) and used it for over 16000 Km before upgrading to a bigger bike. And I have owned apparently bigger and more powerful bikes before the 600i; so I think I can compare and contrast keeping general stuff in mind:
Overall, if this is your first big bike, then take it in writing, there's nothing better including the more established Kawasakis and the likes. However, the flip side is that the moment you start riding it seriously and approach the 10 k mark, you would start itching for more power, sophistication and perhaps snob value that a superbike ideally should elicit
but take it from someone who has ridden it hard and well for over a year, this bike does not disappoint the enthusiast in you should you operate under a budgetary crunch. A fantastic first bike to own truly. The only reason you see so many up for sale this soon is that the bike suffers from an image problem which would continue coz face it- an inline 4 with ABS under 7 lacs means it will be more accessible and therefore not premium enough. Your choice really!
- Spare parts are not going to be a problem now or in the future unless we have a world war anytime soon
- We have to change this mindset that Chinese means sub standard. You get what you pay for. Do bear in mind that even Apple is mass manufactured in China and I am yet to hear complaints on build quality
- If you expect to get the same levels of refinement of say a bigger bike like Z800- do be realistic
- 600i does a few things exceptionally well- it is fairly stable at 120-150 kmph speeds which is saying quite a bit. It does not feel heavy once on the move after 60 kmph and the best part, you can ride it at 40 kmph in 6th gear without downshifting easily- the bike just refuses to knock. Try comparing it with anything else on 2 wheels
- However, build quality is a bit iffy and I don't mean the fit and finish because there's nothing wrong with that. What I mean (and am sure most users would agree)- is that the moment you get it out after a service, the first 500-1000 Km will feel a lot different to ride than the next 500-1000 and so on and so forth until you hit the next service interval. Which basically means that consistency is a problem- and that is a factor of components used. Not saying this is esoteric only to Benelli but quite pronounced here. The chain becomes loose and needs tightening every 2000 KM. This can be done at home though
- I am a cornering junkie (not that I can do it well enough yet) and this is where you cannot compare a 600i with anything else including a Duke 390. The fat, hard compound Angel GTs are just not meant for hard cornering- so don't blame the bike. If you change the tyres to say Metzelers M7- it will change character pretty soon
- It makes a lot of sense to watch videos on youtube to get a hold on basics of lubing, cleaning, radiator cleaning etc. You'd be surprised how much smoother it makes the next ride. As a rule, do a through check up after every 500 km of riding without visiting the SVC. The cost of replacement of consumables comes down significantly. Stock up on chain cleaner, lubricant, disc cleaner etc. Invest in a good paddock stand and if possible also a small portable washing unit for spray cleaning- it is better than pressure wash
- For things like frame sliders, tyres and other stuff that is not "benelli' branded, use Aliexpress or any other website- Revzilla is good too. The quality and price would both benefit your pocket. Brake pads etc. cost one fourth if bought online compared to DSK prices
- Rear braking is a real ***** surely. But the front brakes are excellent. And a good rider uses front and rear in 70::30 ratio. Do not blame DSK or Benelli for it. Go practice braking technique instead
Overall, if this is your first big bike, then take it in writing, there's nothing better including the more established Kawasakis and the likes. However, the flip side is that the moment you start riding it seriously and approach the 10 k mark, you would start itching for more power, sophistication and perhaps snob value that a superbike ideally should elicit
but take it from someone who has ridden it hard and well for over a year, this bike does not disappoint the enthusiast in you should you operate under a budgetary crunch. A fantastic first bike to own truly. The only reason you see so many up for sale this soon is that the bike suffers from an image problem which would continue coz face it- an inline 4 with ABS under 7 lacs means it will be more accessible and therefore not premium enough. Your choice really!points made clear
forget that type of mods dude.
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